This cycling adventure takes place in the southern Rhône Valley and around the foot of Mont Ventoux. This six-night, seven-day adventure starts and finishes in the charming town of Pernes les Fontaines. Discover the wine-making villages of the Côtes du Rhône, the hidden villages in the Dentelles de Montmirail, and the villages around the Giant of Provence: Mont Ventoux. You’ll cycle through vineyards, cherry orchards, and truffle oak plantations along the way.
We’ve created this journey of eight days in the saddle, starting with the prestigious wine Appellations of Châteauneuf du Pape, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes de Venise. Once you’ve cycled through the limestone cliffs of the Dentelles de Montmirail, you head towards the imposing silhouette of Mont Ventoux: a mythical climb for cyclists all around the world. The region is a paradise for cyclists: the foothills of Ventoux offer a multitude of cycling options – one more spectacular than the next – including the jaw-dropping scenery of the Nesque Gorge.
You’ll spend one night in Pernes les Fontaines, two nights in Orange, and three nights in Bedoin, in 2* and 3* hotels. As you cycle from one hotel to the next, we’ll transfer your belongings.
Day 1: Welcome to Provence
You’ll be based in a comfortable hotel in Pernes les Fontaines – a charming and animated village with its markets, cafés and restaurants. We’ll meet you at your hotel for a briefing, and answer any questions you may have.
Day 2: Pernes les Fontaines to Orange
Distance: approx. 47 km
Climbing: approx. +350 m
Leaving Pernes les Fontaines you head northbound on a former railway line, now converted into a cycle path. Visit the city of Carpentras, with its historic streets, fabulous Friday market, and the oldest synagogue in Europe. You’ll then head through endless vineyards to reach the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, world renowned for its powerful and spicy red wines. A little farther you reach Orange, a Roman city complete with an ancient theater and triumphal arch. Spend two nights in the heart of Orange.
Day 3: Loop from Orange via Rochegude
Distance: approx. 42 km
Climbing: + 320 m
As you leave the Roman streets of Orange, you head off the beaten track, in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône: the world’s 2nd largest vineyard. Cycle through the charming village of Sérignan du Comtat, with its cobbled streets, stone architecture, and scenic squares. You’ll cycle to the village of Rochegude, crowned by its 12th century fortress. On small country roads you climb into the forested hills of Uchaux. You then loop back to Orange for a 2nd night.
Day 4: from Orange to Bédoin
Distance: approx. 41 km
Climbing: approx. +520m
Leaving Orange you make your way back onto the cycle path, framed by a sea of vines. You cycle through the Dentelles de Montmirail range and the villages of Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise, two crus of the Côtes du Rhône Appellation. Finish your ride at the foot of Mont Ventoux, in the village of Bedoin, surrounded by cherry orchards. Spend three nights in Bedoin.
Days 5 & 6: Loop rides from Bédoin
Distance: from 35 to 75 km
Climbing: from +380 to +2015 m
Embark on two full days of riding from Bedoin, exploring the mountain roads and foothills of Mont Ventoux, known around the world for cycling. On Mondays, the village streets of Bedoin are lined with colorful market stalls, while the countryside is carpeted with cherry orchards and Muscat grapes. Ride the Gorges de la Nesque: a canyon road that hovers vertiginously above a cliff, and winds its way through tunnels etched into the bedrock. Or challenge yourself with the ultimate ride – the ascent of Mont Ventoux – 21 kilometers of climbing from Mediterranean forest to lunar landscapes.
Day 7: From Bédoin to Pernes les Fontaines
Distance: from 38 to 55 km
Climbing: from +420m to +560m
Leaving Bedoin you head southbound, climbing into the remote Monts du Vaucluse range. Reach the village of Vénasque, perched high above the cherry orchards, and listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Its church harbors a 6th century baptismal pool, one of the oldest Christian relics in France. The village square, set around a stone fountain, is lined with cafés and shops. Cycle to the lost villages of Le Beaucet and La Roque sur Pernes before returning to Pernes les Fontaines.
Cozy category
- Day 1 : Hôtel de l’Hermitage 3* in Pernes les Fontaines
- Days 2 & 3 : Hôtel du Glacier 3* in Orange
- Days 4, 5 & 6 : Hôtel La Garance 2-3* in Bédoin
What is included in the price of your stay
- Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
- Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
- Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
- Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
- Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
- Your cycling routes loaded onto a GPS application.
- Assistance in case of problems 24/7.
What is not included in the price of your stay
- Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
- Transfer at the end of your stay.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..
